2000 TOYOTA CAMRY check transmission fluid

RADIATOR
The radiator performs the function of cooling the coolant which has passed through the water
jacket and become hot, and it is mounted in the front of the vehicle. The radiator consists of an
upper tank and lower tank, and a core which connects the two tanks. The upper tank contains the
inlet for coolant from the water jacket and the filler inlet. It also has a hose attached through
which excess coolant or steam can flow. The lower tank has an outlet and drain cock for the
coolant. The core contains many tubes through which coolant flows from the upper tank to the
lower tank as well as to cooling fins which radiate heat away from the coolant in the tubes. The
air sucked through the radiator by the electric fan, as well as the wind generated by the vehicle's
travel, passes through the radiator, cooling the coolant. Models with automatic transmission
include an automatic transmission fluid cooler built into the lower tank of the radiator. A fan with
an electric motor is mounted behind the radiator to assist the flow of air through the radiator. The
fan operates when the engine coolant temperature becomes high in order to prevent it from be-
coming too high.
RADIATOR CAP
The radiator cap is a pressure type cap which seals the radiator, resulting in pressurization of the
radiator as the coolant expands. The pressurization prevents the coolant from boiling even when
the engine coolant temperature exceeds 100°C (212°F). A relief valve (pressurization valve) and a
vacuum valve (negative pressure valve) are built into the radiator cap. The relief valve opens and
lets steam escape through the overflow pipe when the pressure generated inside the cooling sys-
tem exceeds the limit (coolant temperature: 110±120°C (230±248°F), pressure; 58.8103.0 kpa
(0.6±1.05 kgf/cm
2, 8.5±14.9 psi). The vacuum valve opens to alleviate the vacuum which develops
in the cooling system after the engine is stopped and the engine coolant temperature drops. The
valve's opening allows the coolant in the reservoir tank to return to the cooling system.
RESERVOIR TANK
The reservoir tank is used to catch coolant which overflows from the cooling system as a result
of volumetric expansion when the coolant is heated. The coolant in the reservoir tank returns to
the radiator when the coolant temperature drops, thus keeping the radiator full at all times and
avoiding needless coolant loss.
Check the reservoir tank level to learn if the coolant needs to be replenished.
WATER PUMP
The water pump is used for forced circulation of coolant through the cooling system. It is
mounted on the front of the cylinder block and driven by a timing belt.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat has a wax type bypass valve and is mounted in the water inlet housing. The
thermostat includes a type of automatic valve operated by fluctuations in the engine coolant
temperature. This valve closes when the engine coolant temperature drops, preventing the
circulation of coolant through the engine and thus permitting the engine to warm up rapidly. The
valve opens when the engine coolant temperature has risen, allowing the circulation of coolant.
Wax inside the thermostat expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Heating the wax
thus generates pressure which overpowers the force of the spring which keeps the valve closed,
thus opening the valve. When the wax cools, its contraction allows the force of the spring to take
effect once more, closing the valve. The thermostat in this engine operates at a temperature of
82
C (180
F).
± 5S±FE ENGINECOOLING SYSTEMEG1±239

10. CONNECT ELECTRIC COOLING FAN CONNECTORS
11. CONNECT ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
SWITCH CONNECTOR TO FAN SHROUD
12. w/ CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM:
INSTALL CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR COVER
13. FILL WITH ENGINE COOLANT
(See page EG1±241)
14. CONNECT NEGATIVE (±) TERMINAL CABLE TO
BATTERY
15. START ENGINE AND CHECK FOR LEAKS
16. A/T:
CHECK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T) FLUID
LEVEL
NOTICE: Do not overfill.
± 5S±FE ENGINECOOLING SYSTEMEG1±260

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CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
If the brake fluid level is correct...
Have the warning system checked by your
Toyota dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzz-
er
Once the ignition key is turned to ºONº or
ºSTARTº, the reminder light and buzzer
come on if the driver's seat belt is not
fastened. Unless the driver fastens the
belt, the light stays on and the buzzer
stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being
discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, there
is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to oper-
ate, however, until the battery is dis-
charged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to
the nearest Toyota dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
(d) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following
cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See
ºFuel gaugeº in Chapter 1±5 for instruc-
tions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened se-
curely. (See ºFuel tank capº in Chapter
1±2 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your
engine or automatic transmission electrical
system.
If it comes on while you are driving in
case c, have your vehicle checked/re-
paired by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
(e) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.(f) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light onÐeven for one block.
It may ruin the engine.

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Be sure that the ignition is off if
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans
will automatically start to run if the
engine coolant temperature is high
and/or the air conditioning is on.
Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cables carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash off with water to prevent it
from damaging the parts or paint.
Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plugholes.
Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
Do not reuse platinum±tipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid, or the transmission
could be damaged.
Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-
gotten any tools, rags, etc.

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Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing do±it±yourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Con-
servingº or ILSAC multigrade having
viscosity proper for your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equiva-
lent
See Chapter 7±2 for details about cool-
ant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON)II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)Checking and replacing fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Toyota fuse or equivalent with
same amperage rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
Tools:
Funnel
Replacing light bulbs
Parts:
Bulb with same number and wattage
rating as original (See charts in ºRe-
placing light bulbsº in Chapter 7±3.)
Tools:
Screwdriver
Flat±bladed screwdriver

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Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII
or III to bring the level within the range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counter-
clockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn
it clockwise. After replacing the filler
cap,visually check the steering box case,
vane pump and hose connections for
leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
Checking tire pressure
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the vehicle capacity weight are
given in Part 8. They are also on the tire
pressure label as shown.
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
don't forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.Low tire pressure results in excessive
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel econo-
my, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead.
If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deforma-
tion and/or tire separation.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride,
handling problems,excessive wear at the
center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road haz-
ards.
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:

The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your ve-
hicle has been parked for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.

Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.

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Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Chapter 7±2 for recommended viscos-
ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
erÐhe will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer 's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
ºPº (automatic) or into first or reverse
(manual) and block the rear wheels. Do
not use the parking brake, or snow or
water accumulated in and around the
parking brake mechanism may freeze,
making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger±carrying vehicle. Towing a
trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability
and driving economy (fuel consumption,
etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend
on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your
safety and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota
warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes. Ask your local
Toyota dealer for further details before
towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to con-
sult your Toyota dealer for further in-
formation on additional requirements
such as a towing kit, etc.

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If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...
1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve-
hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº
(automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the
radiator or reservoir,stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the
radiator, hoses,and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-
gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check
the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine and radiator are
hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature
has cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You should have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats